What’s the Cost of Living in Sacramento, CA?

When we are considering a retirement destination, one of the first things most of us think about is the cost of living there. Though Sacramento is not the least expensive place to live, it is one of the most affordable places in California, especially when it comes to expenses that matter to retirees.

The cost of living in Sacramento is 1.1 percent above the national average according to the latest numbers from Forbes. Let’s look closer at how the “City of Trees” stacks up to the rest of the country when it comes to key expenditures.

The Cost of Housing in Sacramento

In Sacramento, the home prices and rent costs are on a healthy upward trend. Housing costs will likely continue to rise as a steady stream of new residents move to Sacramento. As of July 2015. The median home price in the Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade area is $300,400. The average rent in the city is $1,081 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,294 for two bedrooms. These prices vary quite a bit depending on where in the city or which suburb you choose to live in.

The Cost of Food in Sacramento

According to Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of groceries in Sacramento are among the highest in the United States. In fact, Sacramentans have to spend an average of fourteen percent more than the nationwide average for their groceries. To give you a good idea of the prices for common items at the grocery stores, here are some averages: $3.77 for a gallon of milk, $3.62 for a dozen eggs, and $5.47 for a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

The Cost of Transportation in Sacramento

As with food, the cost of transportation is also quite costly in Sacramento. On average, residents spend thirteen percent more than the national average on transportation. Of course, this is not as big of a concern for retirees who do not have a daily commute. As of July 2016, gas prices in Sacramento range from $2.20 to $3.25. Though rates vary by driver habits, vehicle, and history, car insurance rates in Sacramento are typically higher than the rest of the country at about $1,667 per year compared to the US average of $1,100.

The Cost of Senior Care in Sacramento

For the most part, senior care expenses are greater in Sacramento. The exception is assisted living facilities, which cost an average of $42,000 per year in Sacramento versus the national median of $43,539. Home health care ranges from $53,768 for homemaker services to $57,200 for a home health aide in Sacramento, while nationally, these costs are $45,760 and $46,332 respectively. Adult day health care is $19,828 on average in Sactown and $17,680 across the country. And, for nursing home care, you can expect to pay $127,750 for a private room and $94,170 for a semi-private room in Sacramento.

Comparison shop for housing based on walkability, inexpensive transportation alternatives, and price to make the most of your retirement funds in Sacramento.